Syriac Maronite Patriarch Béchara Boutros al-Raï receives German ambassador to Lebanon

DIMANE – Syriac Maronite Patriarch Béchara Boutros al-Raï received German ambassador to Lebanon Andreas Kindl at the Patriarchate in Dimane. Talking points were the recent developments in Lebanon and the relations between Germany and the Patriarchate.

His Holiness thanked Germany and the German people for standing with the Lebanese people in their successive ordeals and for their social humanitarian support.

In comments after the meeting the German ambassador stated;

“We have talked about issues related to Lebanon and the current crises its going through. We also touched on the principle of active neutrality as presented by the Patriarch. We welcome all the ideas and suggestions of the Patriarch.”

Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï also received a delegation from a trans-denominational spiritual meeting that included several clerics from various Islamic and Christian denominations. The delegation came to declare support for the Patriarch’s national stances.

During the meeting, the delegation members affirmed that the role of the clergy is merely spiritual and religious, indicating that they are against political interference by clerics. They also declared their solidarity with Patriarch al-Raï’s national stances against all foreign interference in Lebanon. In addition, they affirmed their support for the Patriarch’s suggestion of active neutrality which is fundamental and essential to the continuation of a peaceful and working Lebanon state.

“When we talk about the issue of neutrality, we mean three basic points: First, not to engage in regional conflicts and wars. Secondly, Lebanon, naturally, has a role in the Middle East as a country of diversity, peace and a land of freedoms. Thirdly, Lebanon becomes a strong country with its army and constitution, which is what allows Lebanon to impose its authority internally and externally.”

Syriac Maronite Patriarch stated.

“Internally, we have received calls and reactions from everyone except for Hezbollah, who has not announced an official stance yet,” the Patriarch added.” My stance on neutrality is not against Hezbollah, but is in the interest of all the Lebanese. What we want today is loyalty to homeland, not denomination. We all must prioritize our homeland over our denomination.”